Xerostomia
occurs as a consequence of the decrease of the flow of saliva. But only when
salivary flow is reduced by 50% or more notice the dry mouth or xerostomia.
Xerostomia affects 46% of the
population. It usually appears as the clinical manifestation of salivary gland
dysfunction but sometimes dry mouth or xerostomia may occur with a normal flow
of saliva.
Intake of drugs
is the leading cause of dry mouth. There is a correlation between the degree of
dryness and the amount of drugs. 400 types of drugs produce xerostomia or dry
mouth.
Dry mouth is the leading cause of
tooth decay.
What Causes
Xerostomia
·
Radiotherapy in head and neck cancer
·
Intake of medications: antidepressants,
antihistamines, diuretics
·
Systemic diseases: Diabetes
·
Mouth breathing
·
Age
·
Unhealthy Habits: Alcohol, snuff
Symptoms
can be subjective and objective:-
Subjective Symptoms
·
Difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing.
·
Poor perception of flavors.
·
Pain and burning sensation in the mouth.
Objectives Symptoms:
·
Increase the number of cavities and infections.
·
Bad breath or halitosis.
·
Periodontal disease.
·
Mucositis.
Treatment
Given the nature of the causes of
xerostomia is not desirable to drug treatment.
Certain systemic and
immunosuppressive agents, pilocarpine or cebimelina stimulate salivary flow but
often suffer from undesirable side effects. They also are of limited success.
Local palliative management of
xerostomia includes wetting agents, such as ice chips and saliva substitutes.
It also rinses as Xerostomic and sips of juice acids, especially sugar-free
lemon acid and gum. It is also recommended drug regimen review of avoiding more
aggressive with salivary secretion, such as those with anticholinergic effects.
Symptoms can be treated without
suffering side effects. The specific use of product improve palliation of
symptoms common problems:
-Slurred speech
-Difficulty swallowing
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